With the exams drawing to a close this week, thousands of students around the country can start to look forward to their summer break.

The post-Leaving Cert holiday has become an increasingly popular phenomenon with students in recent years, and now plays a major part of the travel agents' booking season.

But students have been advised to take care and avoid excessive alcohol and trouble with local police, as many travel abroad for the first time without their parents.

Incidents involving theft, injury, illness and death are increasing annually on these holidays, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which has taken measures to prevent such trouble this year.

"Consular staff have been given special training to help them deal with such problems as [students] losing passports or other documentation, getting mugged or arrested and serious accidents on both road and water, " said a spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs. "They have been given training on how to assist people and are in regular contact with local authorities and police."

Thousands of students are expected to travel to resorts in Crete, Ibiza, Majorca and the Costa Del Sol in July and August.

"It is a growing market that has expanded beyond all recognition, " said Clem Walsh of Budget Travel.

"Even five years ago Leaving Cert holidays weren't really there in serious numbers, but now it is very, very popular all around the country."

The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised students to purchase travel insurance, keep their passports and money secure, respect local laws and customs and take precautions when renting motorbikes and scooters abroad.

With groups ranging in size from six to 40, choosing the right destination is also vital for a successful holiday, according to Walsh.

"You need to be aware of the potential problems on such a holiday and students who want to have a good time shouldn't go mad or upset other holidaymakers just because they're away from their parents for two weeks, " said Walsh. "But in the right environment, with the right people on the ground, they will have a great holiday."